Bhairahawa Emerging as Casino Tourism Hub

Bhairahawa, the district headquarters of Rupandehi, has witnessed increased commercial activity in recent months, driven largely by the growth of casino tourism.

Local residents say the influx of tourists visiting casinos for entertainment has revitalised Bhairahawa bazaar, long known as one of the oldest commercial centres near the Nepal–India border.

Casinos operating in the Bhairahawa area, close to the Indian border point of Sunauli, have emerged as major attractions for tourists, particularly from India. At a time when economic activities across various sectors remain sluggish following the Covid-19 pandemic, the local market has benefited noticeably from casino-led tourism.

Chairperson of the Siddhartha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Netra Prasad Acharya, said casinos in Bhairahawa have played a key role in attracting Indian tourists, benefiting hotels, restaurants, spas and other businesses operating in the area.

Stating that casino tourism has had both direct and indirect impacts on overall trade and business activities, Acharya said, “To promote tourism and attract more visitors, potential areas must be carefully analysed and supported through appropriate policies. The recent growth of casino tourism has benefited the Bhairahawa area, which is a positive development for the entire business community.”

Member of the Tourism Development Council under the Lumbini Province government, Rajesh Malhotra, said the government has an important role to play in further energising the casino business, which has been providing employment opportunities within the country at a time when many youths are leaving for foreign employment.

“If this business, which has succeeded in providing entertainment to tourists, is operated in a systematic manner, it can further strengthen the country’s overall tourism sector,” Malhotra said, adding that Bhairahawa’s emergence as a casino hub sends a positive message for tourism development.

Similarly, tourism entrepreneur Amit Gupta stressed the need to promote casino tourism, noting that Nepal is already globally recognised as a tourist destination. He said close coordination between the private sector and government agencies is essential to institutionalise casino operations. With adequate security arrangements and supportive policies, casino businesses could contribute significantly to revenue generation while also benefiting entrepreneurs, he added.

At present, eight casinos are in operation in Bhairahawa and one in Butwal, bringing the total number of casinos in the area to nine. Two more casinos are in the pipeline, according to the District Administration Office, Rupandehi. Casinos operating in the Bhairahawa area currently provide employment to more than 2,000 people. -- RSS